Your Coast - Explore, Enjoy, Protect (Seals in The Wash)

Responsible recreation management in marine protected areas.

Have your say on management measures to protect seals in The Wash and North Norfolk

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) will share our findings and seek views on proposals to protect seals in The Wash and Norfolk Coast Special Area of Conservation (SAC), an area home to over 90% of England’s harbour seal population.

Our workshop will focus on activities such as wildlife watching tours and recreational vessels which may interact with seals and what collaborative actions could be taken to reduce this disturbance. Your local knowledge is essential to ensuring our assessment reflects real activity on the water. We will not be discussing fishing at this event.

This is your opportunity to share your views and play a role in protecting your marine environment.

It follows our series of events in 2024, where we gathered evidence from you on the range of marine recreational activities and where they happen in The Wash.

We are hosting a separate workshop to discuss all protected habitats and species The Wash and North Norfolk SAC. Book tickets for this event here.

Alternatively if you are unable to attend this event or would prefer to join our online event on Wednesday 1 April, tickets are available here.

Find out more about MMO's work in relation to marine non-licensable activities.

Event details

Light refreshments will be provided, and the event will be facilitated to make sure that there is an opportunity for all participants to contribute in a comfortable and open way.

Why are we holding this event

MMO's Marine Conservation Team wants to balance the diverse values associated with this area with the need to protect seals. Your local knowledge and views are essential part of this process.

The designated areas around The Wash and North Norfolk Coast form part of the UK’s contribution to the international network of marine protected areas, supporting biodiversity and ecosystem services vital to both nature and local livelihoods.

Management may be required where marine non-licensable activities are having an impact on the features of the protected site. Following our initial scoping engagement and assessment we are returning to the area to discuss the proposed management measures.

Tickets include

• Presentation from MMO on our work managing recreational activities

• Presentation of the outcomes from our most recent workshop in The Wash and North Norfolk

• An opportunity to shape management measures to protect seals in The Wash and North Norfolk SAC
  
  
• Refreshments